Friday, June 10, 2011

The China Enterprise Evaluation Association (CEEA) recently organized an event in Beijing for the release of its "White Paper on Intellectual Property (film and audiovisual industry)". The aim of the research was to examine the state of intellectual property and copyright protection issues, while offering recommendations to China's film and audio-visual industry, based in part on international experience of property rights. Notably, the event was attended by trade associations such as the Music Copyright Society of China, China Audio & Video Association, and the Film Copyright Society of China.

The white paper found that, despite some recent efforts by the Chinese government to address relevant IP laws and regulations, piracy rates remained a consistent problem, with rates estimated as high as 50%. While western organizations such as the IIPA and MPAA have focused much of their concerns on online piracy, the white paper noted the important role that hotels, KTVs (karaoke), schools, libraries and other institutions played in driving the infringement of audiovisual copyrighted material. Such piracy not only depress movie box office sales and television viewership, they stunt the development of the legitimate audio-visual market and hamper innovation in the sector.

While some of the white paper's recommendations are predictable (such as strengthening law enforcement), others are worth noting, such as "strengthening the basic construction and formation of an effective intellectual property management system." We in the West take our copyright system for granted, not being mindful of the fact that it has been built up and revamped over the last 100 years and is not something that can be created overnight. It may not be perfect and is subject to criticism, but it is a known commodity, with well-established procedures and rules to follow if you want to, for example, use music in a video project. The painful fact is that the same cannot be said of China.

Parallel to this is the necessity to raise awareness on the importance of IP and specifically what action constitute infringement. I would contend that many businesses that are infringing on copyrights are not even aware that they are doing something illegal. Without education and awareness, there is little hope of influencing the behavior or either businesses or consumers.

And finally, there is a need to innovate new business models and seek out opportunities through new technology. This is a lesson which copyright holders in the West had, and in many cases continue to painfully learn. We do live in a brave new world where many old assumptions simply do not hold up. Digital technology has shifted the balance of power, and copyright holders need to adapt if they want to thrive and prosper.

This spring, the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music gave everyone around the world the opportunity to be a part of Michael Jackson’s video legacy with The Behind the Mask Project. This groundbreaking, global online casting call prompted people in all corners of the planet who love Michael Jackson’s music to shoot, upload and submit their own unique performances for inclusion in the video; the project elicited an unprecedented response from 103 countries in the world. And on June 14th, The Behind the Mask Project will be unveiled on www.Facebook.com/MichaelJackson.

Led by the creative team at @radical.media and acclaimed director Dennis Liu,
The Behind the Mask Project launched in March 2011 with a state of the art website http://behindthemask.michaeljackson.com loaded with simple tools that defined the different roles one could play. Upon entering the site, users selected an action like playing an instrument, singing a lyric, acting out a crowd reaction or demonstrating a classic MJ dance move. Then, using the site’s split-screen template, contributors were able to shoot their move right on the website or with their web cam and upload the clip at the precise time it occurred in the video.

Dennis Liu comments, “This has been the most exciting and fun project I think I've ever been involved in. It's been such a privilege, and was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over the world join as one, their creative voices, dance and musical talents bound together by Michael Jackson’s spirit and incomparable artistry. We received submissions from the Sahara Desert to Venice Beach, from mountaintops to suburban backyards, with some shots featuring well over one hundred people apiece. All who participated delivered brilliantly.”

After submissions poured in from all over the globe they were carefully edited down by the director to the best 1600 submissions (including 50 kids and 36 animals). On June 14th, the 35 million Facebook fans of Michael Jackson will get the first look at this landmark video. New fans can log on to www.Facebook/MichaelJackson and click “Like” to view the video.

Technology journalist Natali Morris comments, “Michael Jackson was crowdsourcing his videos before crowdsourcing even existed. This project is a perfect way to honor his connection with his fans.”

The song “Behind the Mask” is a critic and fan favorite from MICHAEL – the unique collection of songs featuring Michael’s performances completed posthumously and released in December by the Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music. MICHAEL was the #1 global album upon its release in December and has shipped over 3 million units worldwide making it one of the biggest albums of 2010. The album’s success continues to underscore Michael’s importance as a global icon and superstar, transcending cultures and languages.

Dennis Liu is an award-winning digital filmmaker at @radical.media. Dennis quickly made a name for himself winning awards for clients that include Apple and Microsoft and being honored in the renowned "Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase". @radical.media is a global transmedia company that creates some of the world's most innovative content and the home to @radical.media design+digital. @radical.media's award-winning projects include the Academy Award®-winning documentary “The Fog of War”; the Grammy®-winning “Concert for George”; the Independent Spirit Award-winning “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster”; the award-winning digital experience “The Wilderness Downtown” for Google Creative Lab and Arcade Fire; the Grammy-nominated “The Johnny Cash Project”; the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning pilot episode of the hit series “Mad Men”; the Emmy®-winning “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America” for the History Channel; and five seasons of the critically acclaimed Sundance Channel series “Iconoclasts,” among others.

The video “Without You,” written and performed by singer/songwriter Liza Pesnell for her husband David (both of whom are founding members of the band Cutting Edge), is a beautiful testimony to love and happiness. The video begins with picturesque images of the sky and various beautiful and tranquil nature shots, which continue throughout, along with pictures of Liza and David separately, and the two of them together at various ages and stages in their lives. Serene and charming, both the song and video are meant to evoke emotion, and indeed they do. Liza’s vocals, along with spoken word in a male voice while she sings background, fully convey the love that she feels for her husband. All of this is surrounded by a photo album of memories that make a relationship special, and invite the viewer into their lives. While the video lasts only a few moments, we see a lifetime of precious recollections, all of which most of us have experienced at one time or another in our lives if we were lucky enough to have met that special someone. A very nice blend of synth, percussions and flute combine to make a smooth rhythm that allows the viewer to be locked into the video and their own sweet reminiscences.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Michael Desselle (aka Molten Mike) has done it again. His new Country CD "Going Back to Tennessee" has been released by Ranluron Music and features 8 new Country Songs.
"We have been working on this new release for over a year and I am ecstatic with the final product." said Michael during a recent interview.
"We recruited the very best musicians to take part in this project. I have to give a tip of the cowboy hat to recording artist and showman Kenny K who has his fingerprints all over this album, playing Telecaster, Pedal Steel and Wooden Dobro on many of the cuts. National Banjo Award picker Billy Sandlin is on two of the songs, Glenn Stevenson plays stand up and electric bass, Cannadian "Fiddler John" Richard is on Violin, Californian Ralph Famiglietti is on Mandolin, Bill "Julio" Barret and Glenn Laubaugh are on Piano, Guitar slinger Jimmy Griswold is on Track 2, Randall Ierna is the percussionist and Vocalists April Yerger and Linda Carmichael are back up on Tracks 2 and 5. We recorded, mixed and mastered the entire project at ESP Studios in Pinellas Park, Florida and Glenn Laubaugh engineered as well as adding String Tracks on several of the songs. Of course, I wrote the songs, played guitar and sang the vocals." concluded Michael.

" I am excited to have been the Executive Producer for this CD, and to have played and programed the percussion tracks." Said Randall Ierna, Publisher with Ranluron Music, BMI. "This is my 6th colaboration with Michael and he has just gotten better and better. Our previous CD's
ranked #1 on MP3Tunes in 6 catagories. Michael has pulled out all the stops for this project in penning songs with great hooks, wonderful story lines and excellent arrangements. We had produced 4 singles in the last 18 months and included them on this full length CD. Bill Starr again created the artwork and knocked it out of the park. Discmakers printed and pressed the album with their new 6 panel eco-pack which uses recycled paper. We plan on a retail price of $9.99 and any or all the songs can be downloaded on Dig-Station, I-Tunes, MP3tunes, and many other digital outlets.

The songs on "Going Back to Tennessee" are actually 8 different sub-genres of Country Music. They are as Follows:

1. Going Back To Tennessee. an up tempo country shuffle about going back to a girl on top of a mountain. This is a nice line dance song with great tempo and fun musical hooks.

2. Thank A Soldier: This song is a tribute to all of our men and women who have served or are now serving in the armed forces.

3. Gas on the Flames: This song is a protest song. Michael weaves his story of conspiracy theorys around the 911 attacks.

4. Low-Tech Redneck: This is a comedy song that spoofs the internet buzz words as they apply to a Redneck. Every line is a punch line and it is hilarious. It is also a great counterweight to the previous song and allows the listener to lighten up and feel good.

5. One Little Love: This song was penned for the Marriage of Publisher Randall Ierna to Sparky Ierna. It was released as a single on their wedding day. This is the song that started the entire project in the Country direction. It is a Beautiful Country Waltz, and perfect for weddings.

6. Some Cowgirls: This is a hot Rockabilly song about country cow girls and how they relate to cowboys. This is a perfect line dance song and the girls will have a lot of fun making up a new dance for it.

7. Meaning of Lover: This is a song about lost love and how a third party can influence the outcome of a breakup.

8. Old Time Music: A country album would not be complete without a Bluegrass song. This one features Fiddle, Dobro, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo and Mouth Harp. Michael pulls off some great harmonies. A real "Porch" style song.

The lyrics to all the songs are in the liner notes.

All in all, "Going Back to Tennessee" has something for everyone who enjoys Country Music
and will be a welcome addition to anyone's musical library.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The video “Playa v Playa Round 1!” is an entertaining look at the sounds and skills of a live hip hop DJ. Bringing his sense of humor to the turntable as well as his talent, SwurvRadio.com’s DJ KayPlaya plays dual roles, battling himself in different clothing and on two different turntables. Bringing back to life some of the old school original music and a little new school as well, DJ KayPlaya bangs out some serious remixes, dancing and grooving all the while. It’s a show to behold as one song after another becomes the stage for the showdown between the two (or the one). While the outcome in the DJ battle may seem to be a tie, the clear winner is the viewer. The talented DJ keeps the dancing tight, and the music pumping and right on the edge where it started and has managed to stay since its inception.

When I was asked to interview A-Mei, I was somewhat trepidatious at first. Anyone who's followed what I've done over the years knows that I tend to avoid anything Pop, let alone a Pop Diva. These things tend to be so removed from the lives and experiences of the average working musician that have been at the heart of what MusicDish is all about. But as the interview started, I realized that A-Mei is lightyears away from the pop queen caricature. Rather, I was facing an open, engaging and sincere person with a story at the heart of what life and music is all about.

What immediately connected us was our shared aboriginal roots (mine being Native American course), which has provided the inspiration to her music. While not professionally trained, she'd grown up surrounded by music her entire life. "I have never learnt to sing or dance, they are just ever-present parts of my native tribe, the Ami (from whence she derived her stage name)". Music is thus innate to her, not just a profession or career. "Singing is a way for me to express my feelings and emotions. Music is a critical part of my life."

Those Taiwanese aboriginal roots have also given A-Mei a truly unique and open approach to her singing and music, which is influenced by the people and experiences that have touched her. "If I was moved by something, I would choose to write a song about it. I like to observe life and learn from it. It is a constantly occurring inspiration." As such, her music is a recording of her own personal life, which draws power and energy from those close to her. "I frequently find inspiration from the people surrounding me, such as my family and friends. Their experiences always reflect distinct kinds of lives."

Over my month-long trip through Taiwan-China-Singapore, I was able to witness first-hand that special connection A-Mei has with her fans that is drawn from the sincerity and raw emotions of her songs. To a large extent, it reminds me of the relationship between Lady Gag and her 'little monsters.' "I think the reason my fans have supported me over the years is that I've never changed my attitude towards music. I want to dedicate my life to my music. For me, what I love and what I want are all pursued through music. I keep growing and transforming through every stage of my life, which I wish to share with my fans. I've insisted on mainting my own music style for so long that I can't be easily manipulated by the latest trends or commercial interests."

While sharing these intimate emotions of pain, sorrow and happiness with her audience, she still manages to maintain a semblance of privacy. "There exists a limitation how much of my emotions I can share. I want to share all my emotions through my music, but sometimes I have to learn to hold them back. My experiences and people are changing with the lapse of time; I would like to share these changes with all."

Being greater China's Mando-Pop Queen for more than 15 years, A-Mei has the three-words to her longevity in music: passion, love and happiness. She doesn't care about being compared to others; it's more important for her to just keep doing music in her own way.

When I ask her if she feels that she's inspired other musicians, she remarks that her music and those of younger musicians' have actually influenced each other. She recalls the Taiwanese indie bands 'Luan Tan' that has been an inspiration for her. A-Mei's advice to young people who want to aspire to success in music is to have real passion and work their heart out. But they also need to know how to balance their dreams with reality. "I think that if you find your true passion in music, you should keep walking on that path. But along the journey, you should also be prepared for failure. Not everyone who works hard will succeed and it may take years with several setbacks. You therefore really need to learn to face that fact."

In the end, A-Mei reminds her fans to love life. Her philosophy is that it's the tiny moments in our daily life that are precious and inspirational. And she's not only happy to grow with her fans, she's honored to do so. "Although I haven't met many of the fans who have supported me for over the years, I can feel the resonance between us, which I cherish a lot."

For my part, the interview with A-Mei was a high point of the trip. Her sincerity and honesty were simply disarming and I felt a true connection to the person behind the Mando-Pop Queen. I look forward to taking up her invitation to sing and dance with her tribe into the night.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Just in time for a pop culture return to the 90s, Fresh Music LA is sending dance music lovers a slice of the era. DJ Blaine and Peter Barona have teamed up with legendary La Bouche front man Lane McCray to reinvigorate dance floors with a new single and video titled “Pump It.” Watch the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLVjlA9K70Y.

Filmed on location in Los Angeles, the “Pump It” video starring Lane McCray was directed by Pablo Hernandez and edited by Troy Christian. Shot to Solar City’s “Back to Skool” remix (Producers Scott Anderson & Rich Alick), the “Pump It” video was executive produced by Scott Anderson and Rafael Mesa for Fresh Music LA. Singer and actress Fernanda Romero of the BMG group Frizzby and Telemudo miniseries `Ley del Silenco' also makes a surprise cameo appearance.

“It was a terrific experience to work with DJ Blaine and Peter Barona on ‘Pump It,’” states Lane McCray. “The resurgence of 90s dance music injected into today’s hits makes me feel right at home.”

Lane McCray is best known as one-half of the multi-platinum selling 90’s pop-dance act La Bouche. La Bouche had a string of worldwide chart-topping hits that included: “Be My Lover” and “Sweet Dreams.” During his time with La Bouche, McCray was mostly featured rapping and occasionally on vocals. When La Bouche ended, he went on to have a very successful solo career throughout Europe. Lane McCray is now back with a brand new track in the U.S., singing on DJ Blaine and Barona’s new single titled "Pump It."
With dark circuit to electro-house and disco,“Pump It” features remixes from DJ Blaine and Peter Barona, Solar City, Edson Pride, Rafael M, William Umana, DJ Juanito, and Brian McCombs. To purchase the “Pump It” single and remixes please visit Masterbeat.com at https://www.masterbeat.com/#artist/djblaine or iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pump-it/id399709713.

“Pump It” is also currently available for purchase at Perfectbeat.com, Napster.com, Juno Download, emusic.com, Rhapsody.com and Amazonmp3.com.

ABOUT FRESH MUSIC LA
West coast record label Fresh Music LA was founded by Scott Anderson and Rafael M in 2008. Multi-talented Scott Anderson is a Los Angeles based composer/producer/remixer. Anderson’s musical career began when he started playing the piano at the age of 4. Voted most talented in high school, at the age of 16, he was already playing in rock bands and composing his own original music. In 1995, Anderson moved to LA to record and tour with a band, but through twists of fate, he eventually became more interested in producing & remixing dance music.

Known in clubland as "Solar City," Anderson has accumulated many Billboard club chart hits over the past 10 years with such artists as E.G. Daily, Tiffany, Samantha Fox, Paul Lekakis, Kaci Brown, Pepper Mashay, Matt Zarley and Sheryl Lee Ralph. His remixes for acts such as the Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera, Katharine McPhee, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Amber and Britney Spears have all received industry recognition, club DJ support, as well as huge accolades from dance music lovers around the world.

Among the many artists Anderson has worked with over the years, he holds his writing and producing projects with Erin Hamilton to be his most rewarding. Hamilton’s most recent club hit “Control Yourself” (which Anderson co-wrote and produced) soared to # 1 on the club charts.

Rafael M has had DJ residencies at almost every major L.A. club including Rage, Red Eye, Arena, Reflex, Here Lounge, and the legendary Probe. His trademark sound of vocal anthems and tribal grooves has garnered him a mammoth loyal following.

In 1994 Rafael M became a co owner of Prime Cuts Records in Hollywood. This was the first retail store to open on the west coast dedicated strictly to dance music catering to many legendary djs/artists such as David morales, Paul Okenfold, Michael Jackson, Little Louie Vega and Moby to name a few. Rafael M is a true music industry veteran tastemaker. While still doing dj guest spots, he has been busy remixing top club artists including Cee Vox, Oceana, Jenn Cuneta and Amber Dirks as well as producing his own original works for the dancefloor.

In addition to their musical talents, Scott Anderson brings his creative artistic expertise to the label for all its graphic needs while Rafael M handles the business side of things, including distribution and marketing. Scott and Rafael M intend to establish Fresh Music LA as a source of cutting edge dance music played on radio and in clubs worldwide. Visit: www.freshmusicla.com.

One of my favorite musical experiences while living in Toulouse, France was la Fete de la Musique (Make Music). Held annually in June throughout France (and now the world), the day is an open platform for any band/musician to hit the streets and perform for eager crowds - all for free!

China's first edition of la Fête de la Musique was held in Shanghai to coincide with the World Expo to rave reviews from the media and fans alike. This year's second edition will run throughout Sunday June 19th, with an opening concert on Saturday the 18th. Held at 800 Show from 4-11PM in partnership with Shanghai-based label Zhu Lu He Feng, the opening concert will feature an impressive line-up of French and Chinese acts, including:

Moonrock (Folk/Jazz/Shoegaze) - 4pm to 4.30pm

An Lai Ning (Folk) - 4.45pm to 5.15pm

Joyce Jonathan (Pop-Folk / Acoustic) - 5.45pm to 6.45pm

Sonnet (Indie Rock) - 7pm to 7.40pm

Yu Guo (Pop Rock) - 8pm to 9pm

CURRY & COCO (Electro-Pop) - 9.20pm to 10.20pm

R3 (DJ) - 10.20pm to 11pm

After the opening concert, there will be an official after party organised by STD at DADA and Anar.

Stay tuned for more information on the Sunday 19th events, including the big Jam Session lead by John Nguidjol at Mao livehouse.

In the music industry, you don't always hear about entertainers giving back. Well, Jamaican Musical sensation Trudy TruDiva recently was selected by the ISSA Trust Foundation to pen a tune to help raise money to assist in their charity efforts.

This was announced recently at a press conference at the Annotto Bay Hospital in St. Mary. Diane Pollard, chief executive officer of the ISSA Trust Foundation says, " We are excited to work with an artist who has an extraordinary heart to match her extraordinary talent".

Trudy, known to many as TruDiva, has been highlighted by many of the musical industry's elite as the latest Jamaican entertainment brand crossing over internationally, following in the footsteps of folks like Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beenie Man etc.

Trudy's newest song " Booty/Party All Night" is one of the hottest songs in Jamaica right now and is breaking in the USA on dozens of radio stations including mega-station KIIS in Los Angeles on their new music program. It is a fun song about a dance craze that is breaking out of Jamaica and spreading worldwide. There will in fact be local dance competitions to find the best dancers who Trudy hopes to expose internationally in her new video.

Trudy is as passionate about getting people to" move" and send money for Issa as she is about moving people on the dance floor. Indeed, Trudy is very passionate about helping kids as it was not long ago whereby she made a difficult decision to forego a full-time career in the health field as a pediatric nurse to take the plunge into the music field full-time.

Trudy says, " by helping ISSA, I can take my passion for helping kids and combine that with my love for music. It is heartbreaking to me that young kids die in Jamaica just because there does not exist the right medical equipment and personnel. I thank God for people like Diane Pollard and Paul Issa who have made great sacrifices in their lives to help others. It is the least I can do to donate 100 percent of a song's proceeds to raise money and hopefully save some lives here in Jamaica. This is just the start. I intend to do so much more!."

Trudy's record company, Oceanic Tradewinds Music, is also personally invested in the charity. Gary Bernstein, Oceanic's President says, " my son Joshua was born 3 pounds and 2 ounces and would not have survived if not for the superior medical equipment and personnel at the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Jamaica, he simply would not have survived. What Diane Pollard and her team at the ISSA Trust Foundation is doing in Jamaica is amazing and I encourage other companies who love Jamaica and Jamaican Music to donate funds and give back to an area of the world that really needs our help".

The ISSA Trust Foundation was founded in 2005 and the presentation of three new incubators and medical equipment to the Annotto Bay Hospital was valued at over $100,000 in US dollars. Also attending the press conference with Trudy and Gary Bernstein was Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Her Excellency Lady Allen, Paul Issa, vice-president at Couples and board member of the Foundation, as well as many other local dignitaries and health care workers.

To learn more about ISSA, go to www.issatrustfoundation.com

Look for Trudy's charity song to be posted on their website in the coming weeks.